President calls for stronger and more effective local governments

President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the role of local governments has become even more important and responsible after the establishment of the federal democratic republic.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the newly built Laukahi City Hall in Koshi Rural Municipality, Sunsari, on Wednesday, he emphasized the need to accelerate development work in line with the basic needs and expectations of the people.

President Paudel said that since local governments are the closest level of government to the public, they must play an active role in effective service delivery, good governance, and development. He stated that local bodies should work with full dedication to maintain public trust while upholding the values and principles of the federal democratic republic.

Highlighting the construction of a modern and multi-purpose city hall in a rural area as a positive achievement, he said it serves as an example of cooperation among the federal, provincial, and local governments.

He also spoke about the historical, religious, and tourism potential of the Saptakoshi riverbank area, urging authorities to promote and develop religious sites such as Barahakshetra, Ramdhuni, Pindeshwor, Dantakali, and Budhasubba by linking them with tourism.

President Paudel said he was pleased to see that the settlement displaced after the Koshi embankment breach in 2008 (B.S. 2065) has been re-established and development activities have resumed. He also urged all three levels of government to pay special attention to disaster preparedness and flood risk reduction.

At the ceremony, Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Kumar Karki requested the federal government to transfer the responsibility for managing and operating the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to the provincial government.

Chief Minister Karki said that despite its great tourism potential, the reserve has not seen the expected level of development and promotion while remaining under federal control. He expressed commitment that if the responsibility is handed over to the provincial government, necessary infrastructure would be developed while preserving biodiversity, with the goal of transforming it into one of the country’s model tourist destinations.